UK Theatre has published its sales data report, which breaks down box office income according to genre, including concerts.
The trade body’s figures for 2013 to 2016 are based on data collected from around 200 theatres and venues across the country.
Over that period there was a 47% increase in sales revenue from concerts, which is now theatre’s third-highest performing genre across UK theatre venues.
Rock and pop concerts are selliing particularly strongly in theatres, according to UK Theatre’s data. Ticket income has grown by 50%, from £19.7 million in 2013 to £29.7m in 2016.
The most significant increase was from 2015 to 2016, when year-on-year revenue was up by 36% with 1,122,604 tickets sold. Last year the tally of rock and pop performances in theatres across the UK reached 1,654.
In 2016, there were 25% more rock and pop performances with fans paying on average 11% more than in 2013. The average ticket price was £26.42.
Theatres with a capacity above 1,000 and concert halls were the two most financially important venues for rock and pop.
Music Week revealed recently that Really Useful Theatres venue the London Palladium is moving into artist residencies and standing concerts. It has hosted acts including Coldplay, Bob Dylan and Brian Wilson.
Fiona Allan, President of UK Theatre, said: “Our sector has many reasons to be cheerful. This report is a vote of confidence for the industry in challenging times. We’re continuing to attract audiences, and as an industry we’re showing remarkable resilience during a time of unprecedented financial pressure. These figures demonstrate the vital importance of the arts to the national economy, and show that theatre remains a popular and important part of our cultural life in the UK.”
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